Great Kills Little League pitches in to storm relief effort

Great Kills Little League is pitching in to help in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.Staten Island Advance file photo by Derek Alvez

Rob Crocitto, the president of the Great Kills Little League, and his league delivered much-needed supplies to victims of Hurricane Sandy last Saturday and Sunday, driving in a golf cart pickup truck.

“We collected hundreds of bags of clothes and food,” said Crocitto, who drove and enacted this project spearheaded by Christina Flashner, a GKLL league director. “We took out our golf cart, and it was very helpful delivering supplies in the Great Kills beach and Oakwood beach area because there was debris there.”

Within two hours of sending out a notice that they were collecting supplies from people, the GKLL clubhouse was stuffed with donations such as clothes, blankets, and non-perishable food.

“I was extremely, extremely pleased by our turnout by our board of directors — even former directors — league members, and other people in the community,” said Crocitto.

Using the golf cart to maneuver through tight areas, GKLL delivered supplies door-to-door to residents throughout their community.

“We feel we should give back to the community as much as we can,” said Crocitto.

The initiative had a very personal touch to GKLL

“One of our former directors, John C. Filipowicz Sr., and John K. Filipowicz Jr., a league player, both perished in the storm,” said Crocitto, “so this was something very moving to our board of directors.”

The GKLL will continue to aid Staten Islanders in the hurricane recovery, as it worked with Staten Island United Federation Baseball and Cal Ripken Baseball of Great Kills to create a fund-raiser baseball tournament. At least 50 teams will play in the tournament.

“All proceeds from tournament entry fees are going to be used to benefit those who have suffered from Superstorm Sandy,” said Crocitto. Crocitto hopes the tournament, which will run Friday through the weekend, will raise as much as $30,000. Donations will be accepted as well, as GKLL advances its task of mending the Island.

“Until everyone has power, food on their plate, and a roof over their head, I’m not satisfied,” said Crocitto.

GKLL is still accepting jackets, new underwear and socks, blankets, and non-perishable food donations.